topic Re: Kitchen renovation input needed in Home

Kitchen renovation input needed

Mominohio — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 21:50:36 GMT

It's a bit of a long shot at this point, but we had a local company come to look about a kitchen renovation. Company has been in business since at least 1970, family owned and local. We haven't really settled on anything yet, or even gotten a quote, just had the guy out to measure yesterday. It may not happen at all, as just after scheduling his visit, the foundation in the family room started leaking, and carpet is now torn back in one corner, with work needed there, and there is the ever aging roof on our minds as well. But, if we should get some kind of a quote we could consider, I have some questions for you all.

COUNTERTOPS

First, I want to make clear, we aren't going high dollar on this. No marble, quartz or granite. It's not in the budget, I feel over time it will be a trendy looking thing I would grow tired of, and I'm just not a fan of the work to maintain it, or the look of a lot of it. I'll never get the money back when selling in our mostly Amish market. But I am considering Corian or one of the generic versions. I like the seamless (nearly?), I like the way it can be molded and shaped on the edges. Anyone have it, or any other cheaper countertop options and care to share the good and the bad of each? I cook every day, and I can, but I am capable of being careful within reason, with hot pots, cutting etc. as I'm the only one doing food prep.

CABINETS

We are looking at and most likely going with Wolf cabinets, their classic line, which is their lower end, but not considered low end, if you know what I mean. Again, not going custom made, not going all solid hardwood, can't afford it, and the market we live in won't appreciate it in resale. I'm out to take a battered and tattered ugly kitchen and make it prettier, a little more functional and nice for me, for the rest of the time I live here. Again, anyone with any experience in the Wolf cabinets or input would be welcome. Online reviews are like everything else, all over the place, some loving, some hating. I have learned these are not particle board, as I wouldn't have that, but have plywood parts.

SINKS

I've had stainless steel double sinks my whole life. I'm not a fan of the look, but with the heavy use I give sinks, I have not seen any other option that will hold up to the stuff we put them through. Lots of food processing for canning, big heavy equipment, high iron content in the water that stains etc. If anyone knows of something that will look more perfect under much stress, let me know what it is, cause I've never seen it in other's homes. And I'm really not sure about the under mount sinks. The traditional self rimming sinks (I think that is what they are called) gives some protection when balancing hot pots on the edge, or handling big pots clunking around in the sink. Please chime in on what you have done and liked or not liked about any style.

And just in general, any pitfalls, lessons learned, good or bad experiences you can share about the entire process, brands, choices you made or didn't would be wonderful food for thought for us.

I haven't spent years looking on Pinterest, or online at dream kitchens, as I know I can't buy most of what I would see. I will not be fussing and agonizing over the choices for very long, it just isn't me. But I would like to make informed decisions on the budget friendly end, and have everyone's insight and experiences to run with.

Thanks in advance.

Re: Kitchen renovation input needed

Veridoc — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 22:08:21 GMT

I recently had a bathroom rehab and the only advice I can give is keep telling yourself it won't last forever. There may be bumps in the road which will prolong completion of your project. My contractor told me at the start that he never knows what problems are behind walls and under the floor. You just have to keep a sense of humor and keep taking deep breaths. I am sure that whatever design you choose you will be happy with the end result. Good luck.

Re: Kitchen renovation input needed

CAMOGIRL — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 22:08:55 GMT

Absolutely nothing wrong with being on a budget and sticking to it!

If I was going to redo a kitchen and had a budget range I would -

Prep my existing cabinets, prime with primer tinted to match the paint I would use and not the stark white of primer.

I would stick with white paint for the cabinets though, White cabinets are pretty timeless.

I would probably update the cabinet knobs/pulls to a brushed stainless since you are going with a stainless sink. That is what I did.

I would definitely pick a style sink you prefer. And, if in budget update the faucet if need be.

Countertops. Go with your gut as they say. Stick with something simple. Giving a clean look.

Whatever you decide - best to keep it simple and add your own accents of your liking.

you can always add holiness and color thru towels, oven mitts, and countertop objects.

Re: Kitchen renovation input needed

RoughDraft — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 22:13:00 GMT

First and foremost (before getting into specifics about style, cost and personal tastes), you sound like you may be contemplating selling the property in the not-too-distant future. I'm not sure it would be in your best interest to pour money into the property even if you are attempting to be frugal in your choices.

The one thing that I believe is primary, before you start getting estimates and choosing cabinetry, is the fact that you seem to have foundational problems with leaking in your family room. That alone can be a costly expenditure and set a real ding in selling the property if not corrected.

Re: Kitchen renovation input needed

Catiele — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 22:13:13 GMT

For me Corian for bathroom counter and sink. It’s very durable and looks like new after many years. If redoing my kitchen I would consider it for my countertops also.

Re: Kitchen renovation input needed

gulf coast girl — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 22:15:08 GMT

we traded our ugly formica counter tops for Corian and we loved it, we went with the color of sand, a light cream color. No seams anywhere. It turned out pretty. We have sinced moved and I can't remember the price we paid but for doing the kitchen with new cabinets with drawers that pull out, the new counter tops and tile for the floor we only spent around $11,000.00 total. We were happy when it was finished.

Re: Kitchen renovation input needed

pupwhipped — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 22:17:55 GMT

FWIW, I love my full extension, soft close drawers. Yes, it definitely costs more but I will never go back to standard drawers. Life is too short...especially at the point where I am in life. Ha!

Re: Kitchen renovation input needed

scatcat — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 22:21:11 GMT

We just finished a kitchen gut job. I can’t help you with Corian or Wolf, but I would like to add that you should build in an overage amount for the unforseeables. Not sure iif you and your husband and son are doing the labor, which would be a huge $ saver.

Personlly I like an under mount sink as no gunk gets stuck in the lip as you wipe your counter crumbs into the sink.

Good luck. The kitchen is the heart of the home and I hope you love your new one

Re: Kitchen renovation input needed

RainyDayGal — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 22:24:07 GMT

We just did a kitchen remodel as a birthday present to me.

I love the look of many of the Corian patterns, but we're not easy on things in the kitchen and I didn't want to constantly be buffing scratches and marks on it. I already knew I wanted granite and that's what I chose. A beautiful pattern that completely updated the look of my 70s kitchen. (My sister chose some beautiful laminate for her kitchen remodel and it is absolutely gorgeous, they have great patterns now.)

We talked about new cabinets but refused to spend that amount on them. We'll just be changing the hardware out later. (Though everyone says our current hardware works beautifully with the countertops.) You can look into resurfacing to cut costs.

I also did not want a stainless sink. I chose a great Blanco silgranite. It has a very large bowl on the left, and a smaller bowl on the right. I think it's called a 1 3/4. I also chose a beautiful touch on faucet. I didn't want touchless, but I just needed to be able to touch it with my hand or arm to have it come on. I love it!

We changed our overhead lighting to something inexpensive, and replaced the lighting above the dining room table (it belonged to someone else but works in our house).

And it wasn't planned, but we had to replace the window by the sink to make the granite work, so we replaced the windows in the dining room also. Wasn't happy with the added expense, but the windows are so nice.

Re: Kitchen renovation input needed

Sooner — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 22:24:58 GMT

Put money into a good sink. They are quieter, sturdier and the surface doesn't scratch and rust as much. DO NOT get one that has a square bottom and a seam around the bottom. Check on the sound proofing material on the bottom.

Be sure you have plenty of outlets, and get ones with USB ports if you can along with the plugs.

Re: Kitchen renovation input needed

AuntG — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 22:45:20 GMT

@Mominohio I didn't say much about our kitchen update on these boards because I was on a budget and only wanted to freshen up things a bit. First, Corian has many pretty colors and designs. Use it! Our cabinets were oak so all we did was change the hardware and I thoroughly cleaned them. What an improvement. We put in a good backsplash. Love it. I went with a porcelain sink, but I think a stainless sink and nice faucet is perfect for you. Can you include new appliances? They make a big difference when remodeling. Get new light fixtures. Inexpensive but they'll make a huge difference. Finally, 1970's flooring needs to be replaced. I went with wood-look but a mid grade laminate might be just what you need.

Re: Kitchen renovation input needed

jannabelle1 — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 22:47:04 GMT

We remodeled our kitchen 7 years ago....we're in a town home and the kitchen is small. We had a budget as well, and it definitely was not high-end. We went with Corian type counter tops instead of granite (which was the rage at the time) to save some $$. I haven't regretted it at all, although it may affect resale value. We went with medium grade cabinets in white - they're not a flat front and I've been very happy with them. They've held up very well.

Of all the things I wish I would've spent more on, it would be lighting. We have a goofy almost flat to the ceiling fluorescent light above our work island with a fixture cover, and I wish we would have had that corrected and changed. We also should have had the ceiling above the sink wired for more lighting.

The bottom line is that you can get a nice updated kitchen without buying the most expensive, but there are certain items where it makes sense to spend a bit more if you can (light my lighting issue). Good luck to you if you decide to move forward. The only other thing I'd say is make sure the contractor you hire gives you a fairly firm finish date. It's awful being without a kitchen for even a week!

Re: Kitchen renovation input needed

GingerPeach — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 22:52:07 GMT

@Mominohio

Lucky you getting to redo your kitchen.

You've had some great advice already. I know you said you didn't want quartz, etc. due to maintenance and upkeep, but I can tell you from experience that quartz does NOT need any upkeep or sealing or periodic anything at all and you can put hot pots on it without any worries.

It comes in the plainest of plain to very intricate patterns. This is just fyi since you already said you preferred Corian, etc.

On the other hand, getting an estimate won't cost anything.

a few of the quartz patterns available:

Re: Kitchen renovation input needed

Carmie — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 23:08:13 GMT

If you're on a budget, I don't see how Corian is a bargain. This is an expensive product and can be priced the same as granite.

My friend just redid her kitchen and when I went to see her update, I was shocked and surprised that she went with Carrera marble. It was beautiful.

After I oooed and awed over the sheer beauty of it, she said it was laminate. What?!??

The new laminate is not your mother's. I have granite, but would have considered laminate, the new stuff, had it been available when I got new counters. Her counter even had a fancy edge like granite.

i wouldn't rule out one of the new laminate stone patterns.

Re: Kitchen renovation input needed

godi — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 23:11:31 GMT

Under cabinet lighting. Enjoy redoing your kitchen, stay calm and just know when it’s done it will be worth it.

Re: Kitchen renovation input needed

jackthebear — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 23:11:38 GMT

@Mominohio wrote:
It's a bit of a long shot at this point, but we had a local company come to look about a kitchen renovation. Company has been in business since at least 1970, family owned and local. We haven't really settled on anything yet, or even gotten a quote, just had the guy out to measure yesterday. It may not happen at all, as just after scheduling his visit, the foundation in the family room started leaking, and carpet is now torn back in one corner, with work needed there, and there is the ever aging roof on our minds as well. But, if we should get some kind of a quote we could consider, I have some questions for you all.

COUNTERTOPS

First, I want to make clear, we aren't going high dollar on this. No marble, quartz or granite. It's not in the budget, I feel over time it will be a trendy looking thing I would grow tired of, and I'm just not a fan of the work to maintain it, or the look of a lot of it. I'll never get the money back when selling in our mostly Amish market. But I am considering Corian or one of the generic versions. I like the seamless (nearly?), I like the way it can be molded and shaped on the edges. Anyone have it, or any other cheaper countertop options and care to share the good and the bad of each? I cook every day, and I can, but I am capable of being careful within reason, with hot pots, cutting etc. as I'm the only one doing food prep.

CABINETS

We are looking at and most likely going with Wolf cabinets, their classic line, which is their lower end, but not considered low end, if you know what I mean. Again, not going custom made, not going all solid hardwood, can't afford it, and the market we live in won't appreciate it in resale. I'm out to take a battered and tattered ugly kitchen and make it prettier, a little more functional and nice for me, for the rest of the time I live here. Again, anyone with any experience in the Wolf cabinets or input would be welcome. Online reviews are like everything else, all over the place, some loving, some hating. I have learned these are not particle board, as I wouldn't have that, but have plywood parts.

SINKS

I've had stainless steel double sinks my whole life. I'm not a fan of the look, but with the heavy use I give sinks, I have not seen any other option that will hold up to the stuff we put them through. Lots of food processing for canning, big heavy equipment, high iron content in the water that stains etc. If anyone knows of something that will look more perfect under much stress, let me know what it is, cause I've never seen it in other's homes. And I'm really not sure about the under mount sinks. The traditional self rimming sinks (I think that is what they are called) gives some protection when balancing hot pots on the edge, or handling big pots clunking around in the sink. Please chime in on what you have done and liked or not liked about any style.

And just in general, any pitfalls, lessons learned, good or bad experiences you can share about the entire process, brands, choices you made or didn't would be wonderful food for thought for us.

I haven't spent years looking on Pinterest, or online at dream kitchens, as I know I can't buy most of what I would see. I will not be fussing and agonizing over the choices for very long, it just isn't me. But I would like to make informed decisions on the budget friendly end, and have everyone's insight and experiences to run with.

Thanks in advance.

If you have roof issues take care of that first

leak could ruin a new kitchen

Re: Kitchen renovation input needed

RedTop — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 23:33:44 GMT

We did an update on our small galley kitchen 4 years ago. Our neighbor was the general contractor; he set us up with a local cabinetmaker, as I wanted custom cabinets to fit my needs, not basic stock options.

I had 3x the amount of cabinets made as were torn out, Formica countertops, and all hardware, installed, for $3800. My new cabinets have deep, full extend “pot” drawers, with heavyweight bottoms. I would rather get what I need from a full extend drawer, than bend down and reach blindly into a floor cabinet trying to find what I need.

I feel sure a local cabinetmaker can make a sturdier, more durable Wolf style cabinet at a better price.

Re: Kitchen renovation input needed

Loveac — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 23:37:08 GMT

Mominohio, I put a kitchen together in my newly-built home. Not an easy task.

Although I have a stainless sink now, my former home had a Blanco silgranite sink I loved it. Stainfree, scratchfree, so easy to clean. I highly recommend it.

I chose a quartz countertop for my kitchen perimeter. It is so easy to clean. No scratching, no sealing needed and u can put a hot pot on it. Since I have essential tremor, it was my best option.

My cabinets are the shaker style in an off white color. I got brushed stainless knobs and I have stainless appliances. I have a wall oven and microwave right on top of it. So for my stove, I have the burners only, with cabinets under it. To offset my countertop and cabinets, I chose a crushed glass backsplash and got an arabesque-like pattern over my stovetop.

My only mistake with getting a dark wood floor. It needs constant cleaning. If I had to do it again, I would get tile.

I have a center island island which I extended. I have a dark granite countertop on it with lots of silver mica and gold splashes in it. I have the same shaker style around the base of it to match my cabinets. It is my focal point.

I got glass in two doors that are diagonally across from each other.

I got dove-tailed drawers and sliding drawers for my pots. I regret not getting under cabinet lighting, but at some point u have to stop cause it really adds up.

On another note, I posted a topic in the travel forum looking for advice on planning a trip to Holmes County. Your pics of Amish buggies outside your window always give me a desire to visit there. Any input is very appreciated.

Good luck with your kitchen. Don't rush into anything keep us posted!❤️

Re: Kitchen renovation input needed

K9buddy — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 00:14:39 GMT

Check out this site for lots of helpful information.

houzz dot com/discussions/Home-decorating

Re: Kitchen renovation input needed

VaBelle35 — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 00:20:19 GMT

I switched out my double sink for a single sink and I am happy I did because I never liked the double sink.

My only suggestion is to make sure you pick the depth you want. The sink they gave me is really too deep and if I spend too much time washing dishes it starts to bother my back. They never asked me about the depth and I didn't know I had a choice.

Lesson learned.